Forklifts, scissor lifts and warehouse equipment (UW-MAD) [19-5989]

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Purchasing Services is soliciting bids for forklifts, scissor lifts, and warehouse equipment through a Request for Bid (RFB) issued on February 1, 2019. The procurement is divided into two lots: LOT 1 includes specific equipment with immediate needs, such as a Drexel Swingmast forklift, Yale walkie rider and electric forklifts, and two scissor lifts from Genie and Skyjack. LOT 2 offers a discount percentage off manufacturer's suggested retail price for future equipment purchases. The bid requires vendors to have three years of experience providing specified equipment, be an original manufacturer or authorized distributor, and submit three business references. Mandatory submission deadlines include written questions due by February 13, 2019, and final bids due by February 25, 2019, at 2:00 PM Central Standard Time. Evaluation criteria focus on the lowest total net unit price for LOT 1 items meeting specifications and the highest discount percentage for LOT 2. The contract will initially run through December 31, 2022, with potential automatic renewals for two additional one-year terms.

The University has incorporated several supplier diversity preferences, potentially awarding to certified Minority Business Enterprises, Woman-Owned Businesses, or Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses if their qualified bids are within 5 percent of the lowest bid. Contractors must pass criminal background checks and maintain commercial general liability insurance with a minimum $1,000,000 coverage, adding the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System as an additional insured. The contract's scope allows potential extension to other University of Wisconsin campuses, State of Wisconsin agencies, and Wisconsin municipalities. All prices for LOT 1 must remain firm for 180 calendar days after bid opening, with delivery charges and loss risk borne by the contractor. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the procurement allows for multiple awards and provides flexibility for future equipment purchases through the discount percentage mechanism in LOT 2.